Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Furnace Sounds and What They Try to Tell You

Monday, November 11th, 2013

Science has yet to invent a home furnace with an artificial intelligence that allows it to tell you exactly what is wrong with it and what repairs you need to do to keep it working. However, furnaces do have an innate way of sending you warnings about impending repair needs and potential breakdowns: unusual sounds. If you’ve lived with your furnace for more than a year, you already have a good idea of what noises it makes during standard operation. When any out-of-the-ordinary sounds start to emanate from the furnace cabinet, pay attention to them and then make the necessary steps to get repairs done.

Usually, this means calling in HVAC experts. Both electrical and gas furnaces pose potential health hazards to anyone who tampers with them without professional experience. Boehmer Heating & Cooling has worked on furnaces since 1933, so we have the experience necessary to diagnose the problems with your furnace in Pittsburgh, PA and fix it effectively and safely.

Common furnace warning sounds

  • Loud clicking: There is often a simple reason for this noise: loose bolts on the outside cabinet. However, if you have a gas-powered furnace and find this isn’t what’s wrong, the culprit could the ignition, or possibly even a problem with the heat exchanger or gas supply. Any of these problems should be examined by a professional as soon as possible to make sure your furnace is operating safely.
  • Groaning, squealing: This is probably the motor bearings that operate the blower fans wearing down or malfunctioning because of dust. Get repairs done before the motors need to be replaced entirely.
  • Clanking: If the belt from the blower motor to the fan becomes cracked, it will come loose and begin striking against the casing or other components. You don’t want to attempt to change the belt yourself, even if you’re familiar with doing a similar repair with a car motor fan belt. Get professionals to replace the belt before it starts to damage other parts of the furnace.
  • Rumbling, booming: Dirt and grime have probably contaminated the burners, choking off their supply of oxygen and preventing the gas jets from igniting and providing heat to the combustion chamber. This can also affect the pilot light. The burners will need to be professionally cleaned.

Boehmer Heating & Cooling has technicians ready around the clock, seven days a week, to get you the repairs you need on your Pittsburgh, PA furnace. Don’t ignore those strange sounds in your furnace—get expert help from Boehmer Heating & Cooling right away.

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Top 3 Reasons to Choose a Boiler in Pittsburgh

Monday, November 4th, 2013

Whether you choose to heat with a gas furnace or an older boiler, Pittsburgh residents need to know the benefits. We’re a tough town here in Steeler country, and our winters are as harsh as they come.  Whatever system you use to heat your household needs to be able to do the job for many years, and you have to rely on it to perform when life gives you other things to occupy your attention. Not every type of heating system fits every circumstance, and you’ll need to decide for yourself which one works best for your circumstances. Having said that, a boiler system – using hot water or steam to warm your household – offers a number of tangible advantages over other types of heating. Here are the top 3 reasons to choose a boiler in Pittsburgh.

  • No dust. Gas furnaces use a “forced air” system, which blows hot air through your home in an effort to heat it up. This can spread dust and debris around your house, which can exacerbate allergies and create irritation in the nose and throat. Boilers don’t need ductwork to circulate the warm air, so dust and debris won’t spread through your home like that.
  • Noise. Boilers are extremely quiet in their functioning, limited mostly to the burning gas or oil in the boiler itself.  That means you don’t have to put up with the sound in exchange for having a cozy and comfortable home.
  • Even heat. Along with the lack of dust comes a lack of drafts or cold spots in the home. The radiators in a boiler system warm the air evenly, increasing comfort levels and improving the overall quality of life in the home.

All of that comes with month-to-month costs that are comparable to gas furnaces and similar forms of heating. When looking at the possibilities of a boiler, Pittsburgh residents can talk to the experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We can explain the reasons to choose a boiler in Pittsburgh – as well as the benefits of forced air furnaces and other forms of heating – then install your chosen unit with professionalism and pride. Give us a call to set up an appointment today.

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Pittsburgh, PA Boiler Guide: What’s Involved in Boiler Maintenance?

Monday, October 21st, 2013

The number of repairs a boiler requires is smaller than most other home comfort systems: this is one of the reasons boilers have remained popular for heating homes even as many options have emerged. A boiler that receives proper care, with regular maintenance check-ups and tune-ups, will last a very long time.

But that regular maintenance is key for making certain a boiler lasts as long as it should. Although boilers contain few moving parts that wear down over time, they circulate and hold water, which can create corrosion that will eat away at the boiler’s interior and exterior. Any machine that doesn’t receive proper attention can develop operational trouble; if left without repair, the trouble will increase.

Schedule preventive maintenance in Pittsburgh, PA, for your boiler today: contact Boehmer Heating & Cooling and enroll in our maintenance plan.

This is what you can expect from one of our extensive maintenance check-ups on your boiler:

  • System flushing: This removes silt and sand that may have settled at the bottom of the tank.
  • Pressure check: You don’t want high water pressure that may cause leaks; the ideal level for most boilers is between 12-15 lbs psi.
  • Fuel consumption check: Whether gas, electricity, or oil, your boiler shouldn’t waste fuel or draw too little of it.
  • Looking for leaks along connections and lines: Water leaks can be an insidious problem if not found and stopped early.
  • Temperature check in and around the boiler: This makes certain that your boiler isn’t losing heat, or gaining too much.
  • Thermostat recalibration: The thermostat is a vital part of making your boiler work for you, so the technician will see that it’s gauging the temperature correctly.
  • Adjust pilot and gas pressure and check for carbon monoxide leaks: Important for a gas-powered boiler, and this maintenance will also keep you safe.
  • Lubrication for all moving parts: Your boiler has few moving parts, but they still need to operate with as little stress as possible.

More goes into a maintenance visit than we can list here: an excellent technician takes the time necessary to see that you have a boiler at the peak of its heating power.

Boehmer Heating & Cooling recommends annual maintenance checks on your boiler to ensure its longevity. But even if you have skipped a few years, it’s never too late to get started. Call us today to arrange for that all-important check on your boiler in Pittsburgh, PA that will get you through the winter.

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Pittsburgh Heating Repair Guide: Faulty Fans

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

When it comes to heating repair, Pittsburgh residents benefit from knowing what to look for. Our chilly winters make heating a top priority, and problems should be addressed quickly lest they leave you without heat in the middle of a cold front. Homeowners should know the signs of a fan problem, which can cause a great deal of mischief when it comes to providing heat for your home.

Fans blow the warmed air to move it throughout your home, making them a vital part of the heater’s distribution system. If they’re shut off completely, either because the blower motor has overloaded or the entire system has lost electricity, then the air won’t move at all.

A less dire but still problematic issue occurs if the fan becomes loose in its housing, or if the fan blades become bent or broken. Besides impacting its overall efficiency, the misaligned blades can grind up against its housing in the heater, possibly causing damage and increasing the cost of anticipated repairs. Something similar can happen if something slips past the filter and gets caught in the fan. At the least, it will cause damage to the fan itself and other components. At the most, it could trigger an overloaded fan motor, shutting down the entire heating system.

There are several signs that a faulty fan is the source of the problem. If it’s grinding against something, you’re likely to hear it. In that case, you should shut off the heater immediately and contact a repair technician in order to prevent further damage to the system. A faulty fan may also signal itself with a reduced air flow, or air flow which has stopped entirely.

For issues with faulty fans and other forms of heating repair, Pittsburgh has a company ready to help. The experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling understand how to fix faulty fans, and are ready to get yours back to functioning effectively. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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Heating Repair in Pittsburgh, PA: Thermostat Issues

Monday, October 7th, 2013

The heating system in your home is called a “system” for a reason: it is more than a single machine that produces heat, like the tank of the boiler or the cabinet of a furnace. A heating system also includes access to a fuel source, a distribution network, and an interface for the homeowner. That last item is the thermostat, and although it is usually distant from the heating unit itself and a physically small component, it is essential for getting you the warmth you need for a Pennsylvania winter.

Thermostats can require repair (or replacement) just like any part of your heating system. In this post, we’ll look at some thermostat troubles you might encounter and repairs they may require. For high-quality Pittsburgh, PA heating repair—from thermostats to whole system replacement—turn to Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have NATE-certified technicians ready to help you.

  • User error: Modern digital thermostats offer homeowners a variety of features, presented on large, easy-to-read displays with user-friendly interfaces. But it’s still possible to set them incorrectly so they turn heaters on and off at inappropriate times, or lower the temperatures when it should be raised. For zone controlled heating systems, you’ll probably have multiple thermostats, increasing the chance of one getting set incorrectly. Before you look for more serious technical issues with your thermostat, double check that you have it set correctly, and consult the user manual.
  • Miscalibration: A thermostat that misreads a home’s temperature will reduce the quality of your heating performance. Even if off by only a few degrees, a programmable thermostat can refuse to turn on when you most need it; or it will heat up your house to uncomfortable levels when you don’t need much heat at all. If multiple attempts to set the thermostat correctly do not work, you’ll need HVAC professionals to take a look at it.
  • Improper placement: If your thermostat was initially installed in the wrong location—near drafts or where it receives direct sunlight for long periods—it will record “ghost readings” of the temperature and turn on and off at the wrong times. You will probably need to re-locate it.
  • Failure: If the thermostat does not seem to affect the heating system at all, then there may be a wiring issue at fault that will require electrical work to resolve. There are other possibilities for why a heater won’t turn on, so get a professional to look over your system to decide on the proper repairs.

Getting fast and skilled heating repair in Pittsburgh, PA is essential during our long winters. If you have thermostat trouble, or any heating trouble whatsoever, contact Boehmer Heating & Cooling right away.

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When Is Boiler Repair Necessary?

Monday, September 30th, 2013

Boilers that circulate hot water through a home to warm it are one of the oldest kinds of heating systems. They are still popular today because of their efficiency, low maintenance, and quiet operation. Most likely, you haven’t paid much attention to the boiler in your own home, and it has gone about its job of keeping the cold Pennsylvania weather away. But if your boiler starts to exhibit problems, it may need repair. Here are some signs that your boiler will need professional fixes to keep it working at its best.

For Pittsburgh boiler repair, people have turned to Boehmer Heating & Cooling since 1933. Contact us if you think your boiler needs attention from a trained technician.

Loss of heat: The major sign of a boiler problem is that it is no longer bringing you the heat you need. First check that the thermostat is set correctly and no circuit breakers have been tripped. If the problem persists, the boiler will probably need repair. Since different boilers use different power sources (such as electricity, gas, or oil), there are a variety of reasons for the boiler to stop producing heat. Since trying to fix these troubles involves exposure to electricity or toxic gases, do not try to make major repairs on your own.

Extreme corrosion: Any place where water comes in contact with metal can potentially lead to corrosion. If the corrosion on your boiler is too extensive, the metal will weaken. Corrosion is one of the principle causes for your boiler to leak water, and you should attend to it as soon as possible. The repair work needed varies: a superficial layer of rust is easy to deal with, while enormous corrosion may require replacing the whole tank.

Consistent, unpleasant noises: Boilers usually make little sound as they work, so if you hear a loud rumbling or shrieking noise it may indicate a problem. Rumbling can point toward too much cold water mixing in the tank, or a burner clogged with dirt. Shrieking needs prompt attention, since there could be a loose bearing in the electric motor or oil pump.

It’s important to get an informed opinion on anything that seems to be amiss with your boiler. Because of the variety of models, it is difficult to pin down exactly what might be causing a heat loss or a strange noise. The experts in Pittsburgh boiler repair at Boehmer Heating & Cooling can get to the root of the problem and offer you a solution, fast. Contact us today!

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Why Schedule Routine Heating Maintenance in Pittsburgh?

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Cold weather demands adequate household heating in order to maintain your family’s comfort during the winter months. Pittsburgh is as cold as they come, and a good furnace or boiler is an essential part of your home. You may ask yourself “why schedule routine heating maintenance in Pittsburgh?” especially if your furnace or boiler isn’t breaking down. In point of fact, routine maintenance is the best way to save money on heating.

With machines that see a lot of use, such as your furnace, refrigerator or air conditioning unit, trouble doesn’t arrive all at once. Problems build up over time, exacerbated by normal wear and tear and fed by an “out of sight out of mind” approach to upkeep. Components can become dusty. Clogs can build up in flow lines. Old components can become worn out, leading to leaks, loose fittings and overheating motors. Every little issue like that forces your heater to struggle a little more get your home to a cozy temperature. Every little problem means additional cost to your monthly heating bill. And as the months and years go on, those problems can build up, adding more stress to the system until it suffers a serious breakdown. Since the heater does the most work in the winter, that may mean it stops functioning right at the point where you need it the most.

A routine heating maintenance plan can avoid all of that. A service technician can clean the heater’s components, tighten any loose cogs, replace minor components and identify potential problem areas before they get out of hand. That allows you to address upcoming issues in a timely fashion – preventing more expensive repairs down the line – as well as improving your heater’s overall efficiency (which saves money on those monthly energy bills). If you wish to schedule routine heating maintenance in Pittsburgh, contact the pros at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience installing and maintaining all manner of heating systems, and can set up a maintenance schedule that fits your specific needs. Call us today and let us show you what we can do for you.

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Heating Options: Should I Consider a Furnace in Pittsburgh?

Monday, September 16th, 2013

If you’re considering installing a new heating system, whether for your new home or as a replacement for your old heater, a furnace is one of the most attractive options available today. A Pennsylvania winter can be an ordeal without the proper heating system keeping you warm, so keep a few of these pointers in mind when it comes to deciding if a furnace in Pittsburgh is your best choice.

No matter what heater you choose, contact Boehmer Heating & Cooling for knowledgeable consultation and professional installation. We have over seven decades of experience with the heating needs of Pittsburgh residents.

Furnaces can be powered either by gas or electricity. A gas furnace usually costs less to run than an electric furnace. They also generally have longer lifespans than other options like heat pumps or boilers. A properly installed furnace should also pose no health risks or dangers to air quality because of leaks.

One of the great advantages of an electric furnace is its efficiency. The modern electric furnace often has a high AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating and are one of the best ways to heat your home. In a tough winter, an electric furnace is one of the best ways to keep your home evenly heated at the comfort level you want.

A furnace requires ductwork to distribute heat through your home. If you already have a central air conditioning system, the furnace can use the same set of ducts and won’t pose any installation headaches. If you don’t have ducts in your home, there is obviously going to be a few added steps in the installation process.

Boehmer Heating & Cooling can help you choose the right furnace for you and take care of its installation. We’ve handled heating needs since 1933, so we should be your first choice when you want to install a furnace in Pittsburgh.

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Upgrading to a More Efficient Furnace in Pittsburgh

Monday, March 25th, 2013

The spring off-season is a great time to make any upgrades to your heating system. If your furnace is getting older or requires frequent repairs, then it’s probably time to think about a high-efficiency replacement. Efficiency measures the amount of fuel or electrical input to the amount of heating output. Upgrading is a great way to improve your long-term savings, and allows you to take control of the future of your home comfort. Today’s energy-efficient models are powerful systems that make very little waste. Are you ready for a new furnace in Pittsburgh? Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

One of the most important ratings in the heating industry is known as AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It estimates the yearly average of heating output per energy input. It’s a percentage that indicates how much of the furnace’s energy is converted into heat, and how much is waste product exhausted outside the home. Some of today’s furnaces have AFUE ratings of up to 97%, which means that only 3% of the furnace’s energy is wasted—an incredible ratio. Most modern furnaces are AFUE rated at 90% and above, which is a drastic improvement from those produced just 15 years ago.

If you’re considering upgrading to a more efficient furnace, perhaps one with a much higher AFUE than your current system, you’ll also need to consider whether to choose gas or electric. You should take into consideration several factors: what type of energy source your current system runs on, the respective costs of gas and electric in your area, as well as your budget. If you’re already set up for a gas furnace, then perhaps it makes sense to stick with your setup and simply swap out the unit itself. If you previously had electric and you want natural gas, then you’ll need to make sure that you have a gas hook-up nearby that is available. While both types are efficient, electric furnaces tend to be more so, because they don’t need to convert a fuel, such as gas or oil, and they can theoretically operate at 100% AFUE.

Upgrading your furnace is a great way to maximize your savings over the long term and your comfort in the short term. For furnace installation in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today! 

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Pittsburgh Heating Guide: 5 Easy Ways to Save Energy

Monday, March 4th, 2013

As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to save energy. As one of the leading energy efficiency experts in the area, Boehmer Heating & Cooling is committed to informing you about some easy ways to save energy. Remember that there is no substitute for professional consultation. We’re happy to sit down with our customers and find ways they can make their homes more energy-efficient. For more information, or to schedule heating and air conditioning maintenance in Pittsburgh, call us today!

  • Enroll in a maintenance program. Prevention is the best medicine, as they say and we agree. Enrolling in an annual or bi-annual maintenance program is one of the best ways to prevent major repairs before they happen. It may also be able to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Let the Pittsburgh heating and air conditioning repair experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling come take a look at your equipment.
  • Replace your attic insulation. Attic insulation has a major impact on the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems in your home. In the winter, thin, old or rotting insulation is one of the greatest factors contributing to heat loss. In the summer, poor insulation can allow hot air into your home from your attic.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is a great way not only to customize your home living environment, but also to ensure that any temperature changes occur gradually and not drastically. This will allow your system to “anticipate” changes in temperature. Programmable thermostats allow you to control your home’s heating and air conditioning systems much more conveniently.
  • Change your air filters. You have air filters throughout your heating and cooling systems. They are there in order to prevent dust, pollen, and debris from entering into your indoor air. They need to be changed and replaced on a regular basis so they don’t get in the way of your cool or hot air.
  • Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescents, or CFLs, are highly-efficient bulbs. Not only do they use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, they also last up to 10 times as long.

There you have it: 5 easy ways every homeowner can save energy. When you need your heating and air conditioning repair in Pittsburgh or any installation or maintenance, call on Boehmer Heating & Cooling. No job is too big or small. Call us today. 

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